David Norris (Independent)

I ask that early in the new session we would debate the motion in my name on Tibet because of the increasing closeness to Tibet and the unjustified and illegal change of policy. On 29 March, the Chinese authorities arrested three relatives of those killed in Tiananmen Square. We should take care, particularly as we hold the Presidency of the EU, to prevent France and Germany having the arms embargo lifted because it was related to human rights.

A most interesting statement from the Chinese representative at the United Nations human rights conference reads: "The realization of the right to national self-determination is the basis and pre-requisite for the enjoyment of other human rights and fundamental freedoms." The statement was made by Qi Xiaoxia, alternate representative of the Chinese delegation. I apologise for my Chinese pronunciation. No doubt that mandarin of the Civil Service, Senator "Qi Xiao" Mansergh would be better able to pronounce it. She also stated:

The bullying of the weak by the strong and interference in the internal affairs of other countries is a gross violation of the right of other peoples to national self-determination.

Hear, hear. Let them leave Tibet. Finally——